Artist Spotlight: Greg Endries

BY Albert Smith

July 10 2010 5:00 AM ET

Artist StatementGreg Endries was born in upstate New York. He lived in Los Angeles for 11 years and is now living and working in New York City. His work has been exhibited and published internationally in magazines ranging from Black Book to Black Inches. He has shot for and appeared on TV shows including Project Runway, The Simple Life, Glam God with Vivica A. Fox, and Logo's New Now Next Awards.

The Advocate: Why are you a photographer?Greg Endries: It's a creative outlet for me. Sometimes I even make money from it.What catches your eye?Pretty things. Ugly places. Unusual items. How do you choose your subjects?Since photography is such a visual medium, I look for subjects that have a look that I respond to. I like shooting creative types who like getting their picture taken and being a part of the process but aren't necessarily vain about it and can have fun and take risks with their appearance for the sake of making great pictures.

How do you describe your work?Fabulously glamorous while at the same time not taking itself too seriously.

What makes a good photograph to you?Attention to detail. A point of view. A sense of humor.

Who are your favorite artists? And why?Artists with who can incorporate wit and whimsy into their work. Artists who evolve and try new things over time. Banksy. Avedon. Warhol. Lichtenstein. Tom of Finland, to name a few.